Spanish Version Research Articles

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Health of Nation Outcome Scales for schizophrenia patients.

INTRODUCTION: The HoNOS scale was designed for the assessment of psychosocial impairment in various domains. While it is widely used in psychiatric settings, it has not been validated in Spanish for use in patients with schizophrenia. To examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the HoNOS scale in a sample of schizophrenia patients. A total of 194 individuals aged 18 to 65 with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses were evaluated using the HoNOS. Illness severity and level of functioning were also assessed. The HoNOS showed moderate internal consistency, good inter-observer reliability and good test-retest reliability. Factor analysis revealed an internal structure consisting of four factors, with item distribution differing from the theoretical dimensions proposed for the original scale. The Spanish version of the HoNOS scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing psychosocial impairment in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, further research is needed to determine its internal structure more accurately. The HoNOS scale provides researchers and clinicians with a valid measure of impairment in twelve different domains, which can facilitate and guide the treatment of schizophrenia patients.

Spanish version of Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ): Translation, adaptation and psychometric properties in a Chilean population.

This paper presents the first translation and adaptation of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ) into Spanish for a native Spanish-speaking sample in Chile. The study examines the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the translated MMQ. The instrument undergoes modifications based on a confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure, resulting in the elimination of items with cross-loadings and improvement in model fit. The modified scale is then analyzed, demonstrating strong psychometric properties. Convergent evidence is assessed by correlating MMQ subscales with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Empathy Quotient (EQ), while divergent evidence is assessed by correlating aggressive traits using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The study also explores gender differences and age. Results reveal positive correlations between good mentalizing and empathy, particularly cognitive empathy, supporting the significance of positive mentalization in empathy. Negative mentalization is associated with difficulties in perspective-taking and social skills, as well as aggressive traits. Gender differences in mentalizing capacities are observed, and negative aspects of mentalization decrease with age. The availability of the Spanish translation of the MMQ, the first self-reporting scale measuring mentalization adapted to Chilean population, contributes to research aiming to understand its relationship with other psychological phenomena in different cultural context and facilitating clinical interventions with different population groups. We therefore encourage further investigation into cultural, gender and age differences in mentalization.

Spanish adaptation of the perinatal grief intensity scale

ABSTRACT Aims/Background Assessing the intensity of perinatal grief is very important for identifying the more complex cases in mothers and fathers. Despite this, there are few assessment tools available. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties (factorial structure, reliability, and validity) of the Spanish version of the Perinatal Grief Intensity Scale (PGIS). Design/Methods An online survey was completed by 291 mothers and fathers who had suffered perinatal loss in the previous six years. Results The results showed adequate fit indexes for the three-factor model of the PGIS: reality, confront others, and congruence. Reliability values for the overall scale and subscales were adequate. Finally, with regard to validity, significant (p < .05) and positive relationships were found with levels of complicated grief, event centrality, guilt, anxiety, and depression. There were also differences depending on whether participants exhibited high or low levels of complicated grief, and on the number of weeks of pregnancy at the time of the loss. Conclusion In conclusion, the Spanish adaptation of the PGIS has adequate reliability and validity scores and a factorial structure consistent with the original version.

Spanish version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation and validation in nursing aides

The aim of this study is to translate, culturally adapt, and validate a Spanish version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for a sample of nursing assistant aides. The questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted. Next, it was included in a battery of tests that was completed by 526 nursing assistants working in residential care homes in the Principality of Asturias (Spain). To assess its validity, the Exploratory Factor Analysis and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used. The internal consistency was estimated with McDonald's Omega coefficient (?), complemented by the test-retest reliability analysis through the intraclass correlation coefficient. The validity of the criteria was established by the correlation between total score on the test and quality of life measures, job insecurity and psychological demand, and social support at work. The Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis adjustment indices confirmed it is a unidimensional test. The internal consistency values indicated very high reliability (? = 0.81). Similarly, the intraclass correlation coefficient showed statistically significant values and an excellent correlation coefficient (r = 0.95). The validity of the criteria showed a statistically significant correlation with all the constructs studied, particularly with quality of life. This Spanish version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire has good psychometric qualities for a population of nursing aides and therefore may be a valid and reliable tool for assessing musculoskeletal disorders.

Nursing students' attitude toward euthanasia following its legalization in Spain.

Euthanasia is a controversial practice in many countries. Since Spain's Euthanasia Law came into effect on March 24, 2021, healthcare providers have faced a new challenge since they must inform patients, provide care, accompany them, and implement the law. It also represents a new stumbling block at universities, which must adapt to regulatory changes and educate future professionals accordingly. Little is known about the attitude of nursing students in Spain toward euthanasia since this law was implemented. This study aims to answer the following research questions: What is the attitude of nursing students toward euthanasia? What factors influence this attitude? A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. The study population comprised all nursing students at a public university in Barcelona (n = 444), Spain, during the 2022-2023 academic year. The validated Spanish version of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale was employed. A bivariate analysis was performed. The university Ethics Committee (CEEAH 6247) approved this study. All participating students signed an informed consent form. Participation was voluntary, and data anonymity and confidentiality were guaranteed. Two hundred and forty-four nursing students responded to the questionnaire. The mean total score was 79.64. Participants with religious beliefs presented lower scores, indicating a more negative attitude toward euthanasia. Participants in their second, third, or fourth year of the nursing degree scored higher, demonstrating a more positive attitude. The attitude of nursing students toward euthanasia was remarkably positive. Working on ethical content during the degree course and clinical practice are factors that help to develop a more positive attitude. In addition, nursing education should encourage professional aspects to prevail over religious beliefs in euthanasia situations.

Linguistic and cultural properties of the Spanish adaptation of the CAT (SP-CAT): pilot results from neurotypical subjects

ABSTRACT Introduction Aphasia assessments in languages other than English are scarce. In the case of Spanish, this scarcity includes a need for assessments with linguistic and cultural adaptations that consider dialectal varieties and cultural traits across Spanish-speaking populations. Aims of the study This study discusses the linguistic and cultural adaptation of the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT) to Spanish (SP-CAT), a version that can be used in Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, and provide pilot results assessing whether performance is comparable across samples. Methods For the linguistic adaptation, we discuss considerations such as typological differences between English and Spanish, Spanish varieties, gender cues, spelling-sound regularities, transparency, and other syntax-related aspects. For the cultural adaptation, we discuss considerations such as culturally relevant items and images, and covering different Spanish varieties within the SP-CAT. The pre-testing of items for the SP-CAT included controlling variables such as name agreement of visual stimuli (examined in n=237 healthy participants), imageability (examined in n=244 healthy participants), and lexical frequency (from the Corpus of Reference of Current Spanish). We also conducted a pilot study of the SP-CAT with 82 healthy participants from Chile, Colombia, and Spain to assess differences in performance within tasks between the included countries; analysis of such differences was completed within a Bayesian framework. Results The SP-CAT provides a linguistic and cultural adaptation of the original English CAT. Item pre-testing included name agreement, lexical frequency, and imageability tests to ensure comparability with the English original version. Our pilot study confirmed that there are no clinically significant differences in performance within tasks between the included countries in healthy participants, a necessary step towards the final validation of a test for the Spanish-speaking world. Discussion The SP-CAT responds to a need to develop linguistically and culturally sensitive adaptations of assessments for Spanish-speaking people with aphasia to be used in clinical practice. Pilot results indicate that the adaptation meets the criteria to be used across Spanish varieties. In light of promising pilot results, the next phase of this study will assess the validity and reliability of the SP-CAT, providing normative data for its administration.

Association between anxiety and frailty in postmenopausal women

Objective To explore the association between anxiety and frailty in community-dwelling postmenopausal women. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which 390 postmenopausal women (aged 60–83 years) who were attending a comprehensive care program were surveyed between January 2018 and February 2020. Each participant was administered a validated Spanish version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess their anxiety status. Those scoring 8 or higher on the anxiety subscale of the HADS were indicative of anxiety. The assessment of frailty utilized the Fried’s phenotype, with a diagnosis of frailty established if the participant met at least three out of the five criteria. Factors associated with frailty were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results The mean age of participants was 70.08 years, with an average of 12.58 ± 3.19 years since menopause. Frailty was diagnosed in 43.85% of the total series, while anxiety was present in 41.08%, rising to 69.59% in participants with frailty. Neither body mass index, years since menopause, educational level, economic status, nor smoking habit demonstrated significant associations with frailty. Upon multivariate analysis, anxiety (OR 8.56), multimorbidity (OR 2.18), and age (OR 2.73) emerged as independently associated with frailty (p < .001, p = .005, and p < .001, respectively). Conclusions Among postmenopausal women with frailty, anxiety was detected in over two thirds of cases and was independently associated with frailty. This underscores the relevance of implementing anxiety screening in comprehensive care programs for postmenopausal women, with the goal of improving frailty through anxiety diagnosis and treatment.

The impact of osteogenesis imperfecta severity on oral health-related quality of life in Spain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) affects dental and craniofacial development; therefore, it can influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objective of this study was to explore the influence of the severity of OI on OHRQoL in adults older than eighteen years residing in Spain.MethodAdults with OI were recruited from the Spanish Association of Crystal Bone (AHUCE) foundation. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Spanish version of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14sp), oral hygiene habits, and a dental care survey. Clinical and radiological dental examinations were performed to evaluate the patients’ oral conditions.ResultsA total of 65 adults (n = 46 females) aged between nineteen and sixty-two years who were diagnosed with OI and classified as type I, III, and IV (n = 20, 14, and 31, respectively) participated in this research. The total OHIP-14sp scores were significantly greater (worse) for type III (23 [SD = 10]) and type IV (21.4 [SD = 12]) than for type I (13.8 [SD = 6]) (P < 0.05). The negative impact of OHRQoL was due to the association of type III OI with all domains except for the handicap domain, while type IV OI was associated with the physical disability, social disability, and handicap domains (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionThe severity of OI negatively impacted OHRQoL in adults. This association was statistically significant.

Performance on the Latin American version of the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (LAS-FNAME) distinguishes individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment from age-matched controls in a sample from Argentina

Introduction The Latin American Spanish version of the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (LAS-FNAME) has shown promise in identifying cognitive changes in those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, its applicability for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) detection in the Latin American population remains unexplored. This study aims to analyze the psychometric properties in terms of validity and reliability and diagnostic performance of the LAS-FNAME for the detection of memory disorders in patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI). Materials and methods The study included 31 participants with aMCI, diagnosed by a neurologist according to Petersen’s criteria, and 19 healthy controls. Inclusion criteria for the aMCI group were to be 60 years of age or older, report cognitive complaints, have a memory test score (Craft Story 21) below a -1.5 z-score and have preserved functioning in activities of daily living. Participants completed LAS-FNAME and a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Results LAS-FNAME showed the ability to discriminate against healthy controls from patients with aMCI (AUC= 75) in comparison with a gold-standard memory test (AUC = 69.1). LAS-FNAME also showed evidence of concurrent and divergent validity with a standard memory test (RAVLT) (r = 0.58, p < .001) and with an attention task (Digit Span) (r = −0.37, p = .06). Finally, the reliability index was very high (α = 0.88). Discussion LAS-FNAME effectively distinguished aMCI patients from healthy controls, suggesting its potential for detecting early cognitive changes in Alzheimer’s prodromal stages among Spanish speakers.

(144) The Use of Virtual Reality Systematic Desensitization for the Treatment of Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual dysfunction that affects the sexual health of millions of men around the world. In recent years, the evidence indicates an increase in cases of ED among individuals under 40 years old. In most cases, the etiology is of psychogenic origin. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven effective and remains one of the most widely used treatments for ED in these cases although controlled studies are lacking. One of the most effective CBT techniques is a set of activities performed by a couple, known as systematic desensitization (SD). SD involves gradually exposing the patient to feared intimacy-related activities with their partner. However, many patients do not have a stable partner or do not want their partner to participate in the treatment. Technological advances are helping to create virtual SD programs which are able to reproduce the sights, sounds, and other sensations of the feared situation. Objective Our goal is to determine the potential usefulness of a new virtual reality-based SD program for the treatment of psychogenic ED (pED). Methods Six sexually active men diagnosed with pED based on criteria for Erectile Disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) completed virtual SD over 8 weeks. The program consisted of one educational session and five different virtual reality audio exercises which were completed at home using a masturbation aid device called Myhixel ED01, that is connected to a smartphone. The five-item Spanish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to assess symptoms before and after the treatment and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used for evaluating satisfaction with treatment. Results Patients enrolled had a mean age of 34.83 years (range 27–39) and experienced an improvement in erectile function, mean IIEF-5 score pretreatment was 11(range 9–13) mean posttreatment IIEF score was 18 (range 14–21). The mean EDITS index score at the end of the treatment was 64.70 (range 59–70.25). No adverse effects were reported during the treatment. Conclusions This case series suggests that the use of a virtual reality-based SD could be a potentially effective and safe therapeutic option for men with pED. This new treatment would facilitate greater access of men with pED to one of the most commonly used strategies of sexual therapy, as it would no longer require the participation of a partner. Studies with adequate sample sizes, control groups, randomization, and follow-up are needed to determine the effectiveness of this new treatment. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: NEW WELLNESS CONCEPT SL.

Validation of the Spanish version of the IVI_C VRQoL in children from 8 to 18 years old

PurposeTo validate the Spanish version of the Impact of Vision Impairment for Children (IVI_C), a vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) questionnaire, using Rasch Analysis. MethodsA translation and adaptation of the English IVI_C test was performed according to the standards published in PedsQL. The IVI_C Spanish version of the test was administered by email to 101 Sant Joan de Déu Hospital patients who were invited to respond twice, with a minimum interval of two months. The age of the patients ranged from 8 to 18 years. Statistical software SPSS 19.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used to perform the statistical analyses to test the internal consistency of the scale, the test-retest, the intraclass correlation consistency and the Rasch Analysis. ResultsResults ranging from good to excellent were obtained for the internal consistency of the scale, the test-retest and the intraclass correlation, depending on the scale used, and Rasch Analysis validated to simplify the original test. The statistical analysis of the 24 original items was carried out, and the 6 items that provided almost no contribution to the overall score were removed. Thus, 18 out of the 24 items in the original test were selected. ConclusionThe Spanish version of the IVI_C QoL test with 18 items is a valid tool to assess the quality of life of patients with visual loss who do not have additional disabilities.

Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of NOSE-Perf questionnaire for septal perforations

Background and objectiveSeptal perforation (SP) cause heterogeneous symptoms depending on the anatomical location, highlighting scabs, nasal obstruction and/or epistaxis. The use of questionnaires to determine the quality of life in different pathologies is increasing in sinonasal pathologies and in patients with SP the NOSE-Perf questionnaire was constructed, currently validated in English. The aim of this study is the translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the NOSE-Perf questionnaire into Spanish. Material and methodsProspective single-centre study of 81 patients (38 with SP and 43 controls), visited in the rhinology section of a tertiary hospital. Adaptation and translation NOSE-Perf into Spanish and validation using the NOSE and NOSE-Perf questionnaire in Spanish. ResultsSignificant differences were found in the mean NOSE-Perf score and in the mean NOSE score (IC95% = 21.2–26.9; p < 0.001 and IC95% = 53.8–70.5; p < 0.001) between SP group and control group. Pearson's correlation between the two questionnaires NOSE-Perf and NOSE in the SP group was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.56−0.86; p < 0.001). In the control group it was r = 0.85 (95%CI = 0.73−0.91; p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the NOSE-Perf was 0.95 (IC 95% = 0.93−0.96) for internal consistency. The reliability evaluation was carried out by test-retest, and a strong Pearson correlation was obtained between the questionnaires r = 0.94 (CI95% = 0.85−0.97; p < 0.001) and r = 0.89 (95%CI = 0.77−0.95; p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe Spanish version of the NOSE-Perf is as reliable and valid as the English version, which makes it possible to assess the impact on quality of life that it causes in patients with perforations in the Spanish-speaking population.

Development and validation of the Spanish version of the PADEX checklist to promote adherence to physical exercise in people with long-term health conditions and older adults

Purpose To develop and assess the validity of a simple and potentially useful tool with measures to enhance adherence to exercise programs to be used by researchers and exercise professionals when designing exercise interventions in people with long-term health conditions and older adults. Materials and methods Based on a previous umbrella review, a checklist with key aspects for adherence to physical exercise named Promoting Adherence to Physical Exercise (PADEX) was created in Spanish. Subsequently, an evaluation of the comprehensibility, relevance, and applicability using a quantitative [0–10 points] and qualitative approach was performed by a panel of 31 independent experts. Furthermore, 20 breast cancer women who had been exercise users for at least 4 months evaluated the relevance of each item. Results Mean and median scores were higher than 8 for all items in comprehensibility, relevance, and applicability. The final version of PADEX includes 23 items about the exercise program to be answered by the exercise professional who designs it or conducts it. Conclusions The PADEX scale showed adequate face, content and construct validity. This checklist is a potentially useful tool for enhancing adherence to exercise programs in people with long-term health conditions and older adults.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Health-Related Quality of Life during Pregnancy: Is the Mediterranean Diet Beneficial in Non-Mediterranean Countries?

This study aimed to examine the association of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and MD components with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pregnant women from Spain and Sweden. A total of 138 pregnant women from Spain (age: 32.9 ± 4.6 years old) and 302 pregnant women from Sweden (age: 31.3 ± 4.1 years old) were included. MD adherence was assessed with the Mediterranean food pattern (i.e., a MD index) at the 14-16th gestational weeks. HRQoL was assessed with the Spanish and Swedish versions of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36 and RAND-36, respectively) at the 14-16th and 34-37th gestational weeks. A greater MD adherence was associated with better physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, emotional role, and mental health in cross-sectional associations (2nd trimester) in the Spanish sample (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, a greater MD adherence was associated with lower bodily pain in both Spanish and Swedish samples (both p < 0.05) in the 3rd trimester. The associations of MD adherence with pain seem to be explained by a greater intake of fiber, fish, fruits, nuts, and legumes (all p < 0.05). A greater MD adherence, driven by a higher intake of fiber, fish, fruits, nuts, and legumes, was associated with lower pain throughout pregnancy in both Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations.

Study protocol of translation into Spanish and cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the problem areas in diabetes-Pediatric version (PAID-Peds) survey.

The metabolic and psychological management of paediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can be challenging over time given that T1DM may cause a negative emotional burden and, consequently, result in poor metabolic control of the disease. The objectives of this study are to translate the Problem Area in Diabetes Survey-Pediatric version (PAID-Peds) into Spanish, adapt it culturally and validate it. Multicenter cross sectional study. 636 patients aged 8-17 years, diagnosed with T1DM, under treatment with insulin and follow-up at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza (Aragón, Spain), the Ramón y Cajal University Clinical Hospital in Madrid (Spain) and at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 will be included. This study will consist of two phases: (1) Translation and cultural adaptation of the original PAID-Peds® survey into Spanish following eight steps; (2) Validation of the Spanish version of the PAIS-Peds® survey. The statistical analysis will be performed using Jamovi® 2.1.23. The reliability or internal consistency will be calculated using Cronbach's alpha index (considering an index higher than 0.8 to be good) and the test-retest will be evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. For validity, confirmatory factor analysis will be calculated. This study has been approved by the ethics and research committees at each centre. The translation and validation into Spanish language of the Problem Area in Diabetes Survey-Pediatric version will be feasible, valid and reliable to detecting the youth-perceived burden of T1DM. Therapeutic education in diabetes-recommended by the WHO and the Diabetes Education Study Group-has shown encouraging results in glycaemia and psychosocial and behavioural factors in T1DM.

Aplicación del Simplified Psoriasis Index en la práctica clínica habitual: estudio piloto

Background and objectiveThe Simplified Psoriasis Index (SPI) is a recently validated tool in Spanish that measures psoriasis severity by integrating 3 different spheres: clinical severity (SPI-s), psychosocial impact (SPI-p), and natural history (SPI-i). Our objective was to study the validity and equivalence of this new scale compared to routinely used scales such as the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, PASI, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional and observational study that included 45 patients aged 18 to 74 years. Demographic data and information associated with psoriasis severity and the patients’ quality of life were collected, using PASI, DLQI, and SPI simultaneously. The correlation of reference scales (PASI and DLQI) with SPI was examined. The degree of agreement between the 2 versions of SPI completed by the physician (proSPI-s) and self-administered by the patient (saSPI-s), was also studied. ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 51 years, with a mean psoriasis history of 14.05 years. A strong correlation was found between PASI and proSPI-s (r=0.89), as well as between DLQI and SPI-p (r=0.89), with a moderate correlation being reported between PASI and saSPI-s (r=0.52). The degree of agreement between proSPI-s and saSPI-s was moderate. ConclusionsThese findings represent the initial results of real clinical practice using the validated Spanish version of SPI, making its use truly promising in the routine clinical practice.

Perceptual representation of speaker gender in Spanish-English bilingual listeners

The perceptual representation of speaker gender in monolingual English listeners has been found to be gradient and 2-dimensional. However, both gender expression and listener attribution of a speaker’s gender are known to vary by cultural and linguistic norms. Thus, listeners’ attribution of a speaker’s gender is expected to vary based on the cultural and linguistic practices of their community. This study examined the perceptual representation of speaker gender in Spanish-English bilingual listeners at the U.S./Mexico border of El Paso, TX. Twenty-four Spanish-English bilingual speakers of diverse gender identities (e.g., cisgender men, cisgender women, and transgender women) were audio recorded reading sentences from the English and Spanish versions of the Hearing in Noise Test. Nineteen cisgender Spanish-English bilingual listeners completed an auditory free classification paradigm, in which they classified speakers by perceived general similarity and gender identity in both Spanish and English conditions. Multidimensional scaling of listeners’ classifications in each language revealed that listeners organized speakers in a more expansive perceptual space in English (3 dimensions) as compared to Spanish (2 dimensions). Dimension weightings indicated that, in Spanish, listeners placed more emphasis on Dimension 1 as compared to Dimension 2 when classifying speakers, while, in English, listeners equally weighted the 3 dimensions.

Adaptation and Validation of the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) with Spanish Adolescents

IntroductionThe expansion of new tobacco consumption formats and electronic vapor products threatens to reverse the trend of declining smoking rates that had been observed among younger people in recent decades. Early detection in the health sector requires screening tools that have been adapted and validated in our context. This study aims to translate, culturally adapt, pilot and empirically validate the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) with Spanish adolescents. MethodsThe process of translation and cultural adaptation included the following stages: direct translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, consolidation with a committee of experts and pre-test, along with a cognitive interview, which served as pilot testing. Empirical validation was conducted with a sample of 1027 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 (M=15.40; SD=1.638). ResultsThe results obtained confirm that the HONC is a brief, clear and easy-to-understand tool, with appropriate psychometric properties. A Cronbach's alpha value of 0.90 was obtained. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV indices reached values of 0.56, 0.94, 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. Cut-off point 1 is the one reaching the best balance between the two values. CFA showed a model good overall fit. ConclusionThis study makes the Spanish version of the HONC available to researchers and clinicians, so that it can be used with sufficient psychometric guarantees.

Exploring the influence of bilingual experience on speech-in-competition measures

Speech-in-Competition (SIC) tasks mimic real-world environments by including background noise and multi-speaker scenarios. However, few SIC tasks have been translated into Spanish and validated. Moreover, the influence of bilingual experience on SIC measures is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate how bilingual experience influences performance on speech-in-competition tasks conducted in Spanish versus English. We tested fifty-six Mexican undergraduate students whose native language was Spanish who self-rated English dominance on a 10-point scale (M = 5.8, SD = 2.3). Participants performed better on the Spanish version of a spatial release from masking compared to the English version but had similar performance in a digits-in-noise test. The relationship between performances and bilingual experience was tested by creating a linguistic profile based on five dimensions of the second language. Statistically significant medium-size correlations were found between performance and the linguistic dimensions of status, proficiency, and history, but not with demand of use, or stability. This indication that the influence of bilingual experience on SIC measures can be substantial suggests that SIC tasks may be inappropriate for individuals whose native language is not English. This also suggests that other linguistically diverse populations may need specialized SIC measures as well.

Developing CEFR-based mediation rating scales for standardized exams at state language schools in Andalucia (Spain)

In 2017, the publication of a new national curriculum for the teaching of foreign languages at Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas – the network of state Official Schools of Languages – in Spain signaled the top-down inclusion of mediation as a part of the already existing standardized proficiency exams to certify the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. The Junta de Andalucia [Andalusian Regional Government] commissioned a team of four educators from those schools to develop the rating scales for mediation that would be used as evidence of language competence in certification assessment from 2019 onwards. This study addresses the 5-year challenging process of developing rating scales aligned with mediation descriptors in the CEFR Companion Volume (COE 2018, 2020; Spanish version 2021; henceforth CEFR/CV), adapted to their specific regional educational context, and informed by classroom practice. We describe our educational context, and the changes experienced from 2019 to 2023: from merging mediation into the written interaction task and rating scale, through genuine written mediation tasks and rating scales, to an eventual hybrid model at present. In this study, we also aim to reach some conclusions, inviting the use of the latest rating scales we have developed for official language certification.